Tianmen Mountain: 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate, Zhangjiajie

CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie)

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie)
Two Drifters2025-05-1647 min

In this travel vlog, we take on one of China's most iconic and challenging attractions, the 999-step Stairway to Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. Known for its breathtaking views, dramatic cliffs, and the legendary Heaven’s Gate, Tianmen Mountain is a must-see destination for visitors to Hunan Province. But is the climb really worth it, or is it a brutal tourist trap? Join us as we document every step, from the cable car ride to the top to the exhausting stair climb, and share our honest experience as international travelers exploring this stunning yet demanding site in China. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about one of China's most famous mountains, this video will give you an unfiltered look at what it's really like to climb the Stairway to Heaven.

--- Two Drifters
May 16, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Trip start
  2. 0:44Breakfast in Zhangjiajie
  3. 1:18Cable car issue
  4. 2:07999 steps climb begins
  5. 10:55Reach the top via cable car
  6. 18:18Stairway to Heaven climb
  7. 30:31Reach Heaven's Gate
  8. 43:11Cable car down
  9. 46:43Trip summary

Two Drifters' Tianmen Mountain climb in Zhangjiajie, China: 999 steps, stunning views, and unforgettable encounters. An exhausting but rewarding adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Take the cable car up in the morning to avoid exhaustion and fully explore the area before walking down. (41:03)
  2. Tip 2If you have the time, walk down the stairs after exploring the top of Tianmen Mountain for a more complete experience. (41:16)
  3. Tip 3Consider paying for the escalator up the stairs if you're short on time or energy. It might be worth the small fee for a less strenuous climb. (26:56)
  4. Tip 4Calculate your climbing speed: It took Two Drifters 25 minutes to climb 999 steps, which is approximately 39 steps per minute or 0.66 steps per second. (34:43)
  5. Tip 5Be prepared for long queues for the cable car, especially during peak season. Allow extra time in your schedule. (43:48)
  6. Tip 6In some areas, toilet paper is locked away in boxes that require a QR code scan to unlock. Have this in mind when planning your trip. (47:29)

Two Drifters conquer China's iconic Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie! This thrilling vlog captures their epic climb of the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, alongside unexpected encounters and breathtaking views. From navigating bustling crowds to sharing laughs with fellow travelers, their journey is filled with humor and awe-inspiring moments. Don't miss their honest take on this challenging yet rewarding adventure!

More about the current video:( 6 / 12 )

CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie)

This vlog follows Two Drifters' adventure climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China. Initially, they encounter a setback, realizing they haven't booked tickets for the cable car, leading them to tackle the infamous 999 steps.

Their journey begins with a delicious and affordable breakfast of bao buns and guzzas. The climb proves to be unexpectedly challenging, with a long bus ride up 99 winding roads preceding the ascent. Along the way, they encounter the kindness of locals, highlighting the surprising warmth of interactions with people who aren't used to seeing tourists.

The climb itself is a grueling test of endurance, with steep inclines and narrow steps. Despite the physical exertion, Two Drifters find moments of humor and camaraderie, sharing laughs and taking photos with fellow travelers. They also discover unexpected amenities, such as a coffee shop halfway up the mountain, providing a welcome respite.

Reaching Heaven's Gate is a triumphant moment, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Zhangjiajie. They explore the area, marveling at the stunning scenery and discovering hidden gems, such as a glass-floor viewpoint and a waterfall where parkour competitions are held.

The vlog concludes with a well-deserved Burger King meal, a testament to their perseverance and a humorous end to their exhausting but rewarding experience. Two Drifters share their recommendations for future visitors, suggesting taking the cable car up and walking down for a more manageable experience. The vlog is a testament to their adventurous spirit and the beauty of Tianmen Mountain.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most challenging part of the climb?
A: Definitely the very end, when the stairs got super steep and narrow. My legs were on fire!
Q: What was the most memorable part of the trip?
A: Reaching Heaven's Gate! The view was absolutely incredible. It was so worth all the effort.
Q: What's your advice for other travelers?
A: Take the cable car up in the morning, explore, and then walk down. And be prepared for lots of steps!
Q: What was the food like?
A: The breakfast bao buns and guzzas were amazing! Super cheap and delicious. But at the end we were so tired, we just went for a Burger King!
Q: Did you meet any interesting people?
A: Yes! We met a lovely couple who were so excited to meet English people. We even got their WeChat!

Tianmen Mountain: 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate, Zhangjiajie

CHINA'S STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN... πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ OR TOURIST HELL?! (Climbing Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie) In this travel vlog, we take on one of China's most iconic and challenging attractions, the 999-step Stairway to Heaven at Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie. Known for its breathtaking views, dramatic...

Tianmen Mountain Zhangjiajie: 999 Steps to Heaven's Gate

Two Drifters embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey to Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China. Their vlog documents the climb of the iconic 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, capturing breathtaking views and dramatic cliffs. They share their honest experience as international travelers, offering an unfiltered look at this stunning, demanding site. From the cable car ride to the exhausting stair climb, the video provides a comprehensive account of their adventure, perfect for those planning a visit or simply curious about this famous Chinese mountain.

Attractions in this video: Tianmen Mountain, Heavens Gate, Stairway To Heaven, Glass Bridge, Zulong Cave